Seals success story is growing by the year

Selsey Seals FC are running 12 teams this season from under-six to under-16 – including the under-12 girls’ side featured in the Observer a fortnight ago.

The club are enabling 200 children to enjoy football each Sunday.

Each team train during the week for at least an hour using the facilities at Manhood Community College.

Each team have a volunteer manager and other supporters who help with coaching, transport, encouragement, sponsorship and administration.

Shops like Kavanagh’s Budgens support five teams with kit, refreshments and the cost of training facilities.

This community involvement has helped get the girls’ side off the ground and develop the skill, confidence and esteem of the children.

The sponsorship comes as part of the community initiative set up by Noel Kavanagh, owner of Kavanagh’s Budgens

“It’s a way in which we can have a small role in ensuring the local area continues to thrive,” said Budgens’ Noel Kavanagh of the partnership.

Selsey are encouraging a unified coaching scheme and running a youth policy. Steps are being taken to bridge the gap between junior and senior football and encourage more 16 to 19-year-olds to go on playing the game.

Children regularly come to act as mascots for Selsey’s senior side and it is hoped the planned new all-seater stand will bring in more family members. For more, see www.selseysealsfc.co.uk